A NEW YOU: Your life is a ‘Wonderful Life’

Published
6:49 pm EST, Friday, December 23, 2016

Image
1of/1

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 1

A NEW YOU: Your life is a ‘Wonderful Life’

1 / 1

Back to Gallery

Christmas candles in the storefront windows and lit-up wreaths on the lamp posts glowed in the center of town. It was early evening, as carolers walked the street singing, “Joy to the world.” Hot chocolate and freshly baked sugar cookies were being served by the members of the church, while families in the community gathered in front of the town hall waiting for the tree lighting ceremony. And with the tinkling of bells, the festivities were in full swing at the annual Christmas celebration.

But amidst the festivities in the crowd, I noticed a young boy crying. And I thought about a movie that I had watched many times before during the Christmas season.

Making its premiere in 1946, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a heart-warming holiday classic. It’s about a small-town resident of Bedford Falls named George Bailey. And his life had seemingly fallen apart all around him.

George had a good heart and sacrificed for others. Yet, he considered himself a total failure. Despairingly frustrated, he was beset with problems, George felt desperate. Thinking that he was completely worthless and that his best days were gone, he thought to himself, “My life doesn’t matter anymore.” With his eyes filled with tears, he wished he had never been born.

I wonder, at one time or another, how many of us have slipped into our thoughts and contemplated the same thing. For often, circumstances don’t go as planned. And similar to George, you could have experienced losses, unfair situations and broken dreams. You might compare yourself to others who may be leading what appears to be healthy and fulfilled lives, living out the ventures they desire, while you’re stuck in the same place. And, at times, you may sit back and sadly think, “I can’t believe this happened to me.”

But regardless of what has transpired in the past, you are far too valuable to throw away or destroy your future.

In the movie, just as George was seriously thinking of ending the gift of his precious life, God stepped in. He sent his guardian angel called Clarence to earth to intervene in George’s behalf.

Then, in an alternative timeline, Clarence showed George what Bedford Falls would be like if George had never been there. Compassionately, Clarence revealed to George all those he had touched: the lives he saved, his countless kind deeds and the selfless acts he performed. George even sacrificed his own dreams to advance others. Clarence uttered, “Each life touches so many other lives.” Next, he explained how different these people would be if George hadn’t been born.

George’s past, present and future mattered greatly. And so does yours.

Suddenly, George’s whole outlook was changed. He realized he was not a failure. Why? Because George made a profound, positive, impact in others’ lives. George Bailey finally understood how much would have been lost if he had never been on this earth. Beaming, he had a new joy, a new excitement and a new appreciation for his family, his friends. He had hope for his future. And with the help of those closest to him, George was able to put his worries behind him and “live again.”

Life is a gift that God placed in your care. And your positive influence has stretched far beyond what you could ever know or even see. Recently, I heard something in interview on a news program. The host was questioning a business owner about her new floral shop and asked, “What motivated you to start a floral business?” Softly, the owner replied, “When my elderly mother was sick in the hospital, I would sit by her bed and tell her about all of the wonderful things she had done in her lifetime to make the world a more beautiful place.” Then, she said smiling, “So I wanted to do something to make the world more beautiful, as my mother did so eloquently.”

True worth is not measured in dollars, but in the good deeds that one puts out into the world. No matter the challenges you’ve faced, you have had more of an impact on people, places, and situations around you than you may dare to even realize. Thus, your life is far too valuable to lose. You’re God’s great and wonderful workmanship. And you were created in His image.

You’re, “God’s treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6). You are fully adequate, competent and worthy. “Fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). No one can ever take your place. For even “the very hairs of your head are numbered” (Matthew 10:30). Hence, don’t let anything steal your joy or your self-confidence. Never allow people with their own issues to determine your worth. A reader wrote, “Your happiness, success and fulfillment is not in the hands of anyone else. It is in your hands and God’s hands.”

Right now, God’s hand is upon you ... you matter to Him, and He wants the best for you. Therefore, see the worth in yourself that God sees in you.

Christmas tells us that God thought “you mattered enough” that He sent His son Jesus in the form of a baby. Jesus was born in humility in a Bethlehem stable to be your Savior. With Him, you can live a full, abundant life here, and an eternal life in heaven.

“The angel said ... ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:10-12)

The movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a great example of just how valuable the gift of your life is. And whatever you choose to do with this great gift, counts. Share your love, your talents, and your blessings with others. The difference you make today can have a powerful, rippling effect on someone’s life tomorrow. For you still have a grand purpose to fulfill. God is going to bless all of your days in the most extraordinary way. He will grant you the desires of your heart. Before long, miracles will overflow to you in the most surprising fashion. And just when you think God has done it all, He will do more. He will open more doors. He’ll provide more opportunities, more friendships, more love, and more victories for you to enjoy.

Focus only on God and His love and goodness; With Him — you can really have “a wonderful life.” May God bless you and your loved ones this holy Christmas.

Email Catherine Galasso-Vigorito at cgv@anewyouworldwide.com. To order a copy of her new book, “The Open Window, 8 Weeks to Creating an Extraordinary Life,” visit www.anewyouworldwide.com or bookstores nationwide. Like me on Facebook!